Cooking turkey breast doesn’t have to be complicated. I like using the slow cooker to keep it juicy and delicious every time. This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is easy enough for busy weekdays but special enough to serve at holiday gatherings.
Contents
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
Slow cooker turkey breast is a simple way to bring out the best in turkey. Using the slow cooker lets the turkey breast slowly baste in its own juices, resulting in slices that are never dry and always full of deep, herby flavors.
I love how set-and-forget-friendly it is: just a bit of prep, then let the slow cooker do all the work. With this method, you can cook the turkey for a holiday, prep for the week, or make homemade turkey sandwiches.
The slow cooker works great for both bone-in and boneless turkey breasts, and the results are consistently succulent. Plus, the drippings are perfect for a homemade turkey gravy.
This turkey dish can be served alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, and honey-glazed carrots. For a festive meal, enjoy it with cranberry sauce, herbed stuffing, and a creamy sweet potato casserole.
For a lighter dinner, the turkey goes nicely with a crisp arugula salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or garlic butter asparagus. Sliced turkey breast can also be piled onto warm dinner rolls with a swipe of aioli or paired with a tangy coleslaw for a satisfying sandwich.
For drinks, the dish pairs well with a bright Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or even a hard cider for fall gatherings. For non-alcoholic options, try apple cider or sparkling cranberry juice.
Here’s how to make the slow cooker turkey breast:
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb boneless or bone-in turkey breast skin-on preferred for best flavor
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil or butter all over.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the spice blend evenly over the turkey.
- Place the turkey breast skin-side up in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around (not on top).
- Cover and cook on LOW 6–7 hours (or HIGH 3–4 hours), until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For golden, crispy skin, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 4–5 minutes after slow cooking. This step is optional.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing for juicy, tender meat.
Notes
- Works with boneless or bone-in turkey breast.
- Great for holidays or small family dinners when a whole turkey is too much.
- Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, soups, or salads.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these versions. With different ingredients, you can enjoy the recipe in new and exciting ways every time.
- Herb Butter Turkey Breast features a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, sage, and softened butter slathered over the breast before cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
- Lemon & White Wine Turkey Breast adds fresh lemon slices and a splash of dry white wine to the slow cooker, giving the turkey a bright, slightly tangy finish.
- Cajun-Style Turkey Breast uses a blend of Cajun spices and a bit of cayenne for a gently spicy, bold turkey perfect for those who like some heat.
- Apple & Onion Turkey Breast lays thick slices of apple and sweet onion under the turkey for a subtly sweet depth that enhances juiciness.
- BBQ-Glazed Turkey Breast is brushed with a smoky barbecue sauce in the final hour of cooking for a sticky, flavorful crust.